William Kuntz 'Bill' Easter

William “Bill” Kuntz Easter passed away at his home Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the age of 81. He was the son of William Ford and Blanche Kuntz Easter. Bill attended country school Jackson #7 until junior high when he began attending the Winterset schools. He was active in sports and was an “unbelievable” saxophone player. From high school he attended Iowa State University graduating in 1957 with a degree in Agriculture. While in college he was a member of the Cyclone Marching Band and a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Following his graduation from ISU he began his farming career. Bill was the 4th generation farmer. Along with crop farming, he raised cattle and hogs. The hogs he raised in the timber paid for his children’s college tuition and expenses. He had a very special gift of being able to figure out how to balance his work, finance and family. He married Meredith Young July 5, 1959. To this union was born Myles William, (Brenda) Melody Anne, (Jeffrey) and Brian Charles, (Melodie). His joy was watching his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He was always there. He felt very blessed with his grandchildren: Myles, Angelica, Zac, Morgan, Levi, Jocelyn, Gabrielle, Elijah, Ellie and Ethan. Some of his happiest times were spent hunting with the grandsons, teaching the granddaughters to drive, attending their sports and music events. Bill was honored at the Iowa State Fair by the Iowa Department of Agriculture with the “Heritage Farm Award” which is a huge honor for a farmer because he family owned the same farm for 150 years. Bill was a member of the West Star Church and The First United Methodist Church. He was also a Shriner and served with the Iowa Air National Guard. He had served on the Board of Directors for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance in Winterset for 28 years. He was preceded in death by his parents William Ford Easter and Blanche Irene Kuntz Easter and his “hunting partner” grandson, Zachary Joseph Easter. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 15, at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset with Pastor Geoff Safford and Rev. Dr. Ron Yarnell officiating. Burial will be in the Winterset Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from noon to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 5 to 8 PM. Memorials may be directed to his family for a future designation. Online condolences may be left at www.mccalleyfuneralhome.com. McCalley-Collins Funeral Home in Winterset is in charge of the arrangements.